ZXTRACTOT A LETTER FROM REV. ITORS. a are some, who have been baptized, tions. My audience was solemn, and that have not connected themselves attentive to the word of life. At with any church. May the Lord Je. length one person, who was formerly sus continue to impart his smiles upon a universalist, and was struck under our unworthy souls, and to his name pungent conviction at the first meet. shall be ascribed all the praise. ing to form a Baptist society, and had Affectionately yours, subsequently been brought into the in the best of bonds, liberty of the gospel, offered himself ROBERT C. STARR. as a candidate for baptism. His exam ple was followed by three persons, who had entertained hope in Christ for some time past, but had never made a public declaration of their faith. At E. GALUSHA, TO ONE OF THE ED- the same meeting, several others pre sented letters from churches in our connection, related their christian Whilesboro', Oct. 28, 1822. experience, and gained fellowship Rev. and dear Sir, with each other. The Sabbath fol. Permit me to trouble you with a lowing, the four first mentioned perline, in behalf of the infant Baptist sons were baptized, iri the small Buf. church in Buffalo, That you may falo Creek, juist where it mingles with the better know its claims, I will give the Great Buffalo, that at a short disyou a brief account of its origin." It tance empiies itself into Lake Erie, was planted by the hand of the Bap- there in full view. The scene was. tist Convention of this State. Last peculiarly solemn. A great concourse December or January a brother La. of people lined the banks of the stream.. zell and a Mr. Guitteau, of Buffalo, The interesting thought, that these applied to the agent of the Holland waters were for the first time about to Purchase Company, for the donation be consecrated to the service of God, of a lot for a Baptist meeting house in in the sacred rite of baptism, prothe village. A lot had previously duced in my heart, a feeling not easi. been given to the Presbyterians, an. ly described. And while pronouncing other to the Episcopalians, and a third the following linesto the Methodists. The agent man. “ Eternal Spirit! Heavenly Dove ! ifested a readiness to comply with On these baptismal waters move !" their wishes, but informed them of the indispensable necessity of forming I believe the language of my lips, and a Baptist Society, to whose Trustees the emotions of my heart, were never a deed could be given. They imme. more coincident. To several others, diately exerted themselves for the as well as myself, the hand of God purpose. A meeting was called, a was apparent in leading us on, step Society formed, Trustees appointed, by step, until the church was constiand a lot secured. This led to the tuted. Nothing seemed to be the rediscovery of the fact that several per- sult of plan or concert, on our part, sons, whose views were before un. but all appeared like the direction of known, were friends to the Baptist Heaven. In the morning of the day A letter was addressed to me, on which the church was fornied, by the Trustees, entreating me to take three females were baptized. On that a mission from some society, and visit occasion many tears were shed, and preach with them ; stating for which, though by some perhaps al. my encouragement, that there were ready forgotten, will be called to awin Buffalo, several Baptist professors ful remembrance in the day of retri. belonging to distant churches--that bution, or glorious recollection in the in looking them up, others might be day of the Lord Jesus ! On the found. The cause of the few sheep next Lord's day, tive others were in the wilderness, was pleaded' in so symbolically buried with Christ, pathetic a strain, by their scribe; and, rising from the watery grave, Brother Lazell, that I could not re- presented the figure of his resurrecsist the cry; come over and help us." tion. I arrived in Buffalo on the 16th of On the day of my departure, I bapFebruary, and was received with much tized three other disciples. Both affection by the few friends in that were truly, interesting to place. I laboured there for several saints, and, I trust, joyful to angels, weeks with much pleasure, and some I visited and spent twelve weeks witlu heart felt evidence that the God of Is. them, the summer past, in the service rael approved and blessed my exer. of the Convention ; during whiela cause. seasons time, five more were added by baptism and three by letter. The church consisted, when I last parted with it, of thirty members; twenty of whom I baptized; five of the last specified number, were members of the Presbyterian church: one belonged to the Episcopalian, and one to a Congrega. tional church. Another of the Presbyterians now stands a candidate for baptism. The persons received from the Pedobaptist churches, as above mentioned, in general, are respectable, intelligent, pious and worthy chris tians. The little church will do all in their power to support the ministry of the word among them, but they cannot do it without help. Buffalo is an interesting village, and has a most eligible location. Being at the termination of a vast extent of lake as well as canal navigation, where there must always be a change of vehicles, and consequently a place of deposit, it will be, at some future time, a city of immense importance. E. GALUSHA. Obituary. MRS. ELIZABETH PITTMAN. Mrs. E. Pittman was the daughter of Elder John Goode, of Chesterfield county, Vir. She was born June 4, 1774. She obtained a hope in the Lord at about eleven years of age, and was soon after baptized In 1798 she married Elder Williamson H. Pittman, by whom she had five child. ren, two of whom she was called to commit to the dust. Although she always seemed to be well grounded and established in the faith of the gaspel, yet about a year prior to her death, she was greatly revived by the sweet promises of God's word, which were given her in the dear Redeemer, the delight of her soul. In the spring of 1821, she was tak en ill with a tedious sickness ; on the eighth of April, having got something better, said she felt well enough to ride to meeting that day, which was only one mile. Her physician being present, thought it would not be injurious to health. She accordingly went with her husband to the meeting, and was greatly animated under the sweet sound of the gospel of Christ. After meeting she returned home, and never more had the privilege to go to the house of prayer, to join the saints in publick worship. She never after went abroad, excepting to walk in her yard and garden a few steps, until her disease wholly confined her to the house. In the former part of her illness, she at times appeared to be greatly distressed in mind, through darkness, doubts, and fears; yet the Lord being merciful, according to the good word of his grace, kept her from being tempted more than she could bear. She bore her afflictive confinement with great fortitude and patience. For many weeks prior to her death, she seemed to settle down with an humble confidence in God her Saviour. Angels, death, and eternity, seemed to be pleasant and animating subjects to converse about. She affectionately exhorted her three sons, to love one another, to love all men, and to be prepared to meet her in heaven. About fifteen days before her decease, she appeared sometimes to be expiring, her eyes cast heavenward with a smiling countenance, and then would recover again, and say, Have I come back again? surely there is mystery in it that I cannot die! Her anxiety to depart, and be with Christ, seemed to increase. She would often, very often cast her eyes heavenward, and say, Make haste, ye angels, sweet angels! I long to join your songs. Her conversation was so very consolatory, that it afforded great comfort to her friends. Her dear weeping companion said, that he almost forgot the ties of nature, and had thoughts of ad. dressing his friends around him, so that they might not think he was weeping for sorrow, but for joy. As far as a person can judge from the language and gestures of a dying person, knowing the tender affection that she bore to her little family, as a wife and parent, (in which, perhaps, few ever excelled her,) she appeared to be wonderfully supported. But the time now drew near for her departure; and on the 19th of August, 1821, (Lord's day) a goodly number of friends being present, her speech, which had failed her for several days, seemed to return, so that she could speak in the morning intelligibly. A certain brother being present, asked her how she did; her answer was, I shall soon be with Jesus in eternal glory, Her conversation was so touching, that many of the by-standers were greatly affected, and shed tears plentifully. Many consoling words dropped from her dying lips, to the dear people of God. Her husband sitting by her, she tenderly asked, What makes you look so sad? rejoice over my body, when my sufferings are over. I never thought, said she, I could give you up. He asked her, if she thought she could now; Yes, said she, I can give you up into the hands of the Lord, for he will take care of you. You have a great deal to do ;-take the word of God in your hand, and go and preach manfully. On Monday the 20th, at about 10 o'clock in the morning, she fell asleep in Jesus. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. MR. THOMAS FORD. This good man died at Cambridge, Mass. September 25, 1822, in the 56th year of his age. As he had a large circle of friends, by whom his memory will long be held in affectionate remembrance, it will not, perhaps, be deemed improper to give a brief sketch of his religious character. Our deceased brother was the subject of serious impressions at the age of fourteen. When a youth, he found the declaration of the wise man verified; "I love them that love me, and they that seek me early, shall find me." His religious principles led him to seek an intimacy with young persons who were decidedly pious. Possessing warm feelings, and a vigorous and inquisitive mind, he at this period joined a society of young men, who met weekly for prayer, and discussion of theological subjects. This weekly exercise was not only beneficial in keeping alive their relig ious feelings, but in preparing the way for their future usefulness in the cause of Christ. Several of these young men, thus accustomed to habits of reflection, and the discussion of religious topics, afterwards became eminent ministers of the gospel. One who belonged to this youthful band is now a pious and respectable Presby-. terian minister in this State. And here it may be proper to remark, that had our late brother followed the dictates of his conscience at that time, by giving himself up to the work of the ministry, there is no doubt, from the character of his mind, and his ardent piety, but he would have been a distinguished minister of Christ. But the trials and conflicts which he had in relation to this subject, finally determined him to pursue his course in the more retired walks of private life. He did not, however, conclude, because he was not engaged as a public servant of the Lord Jesus, that he had nothing to do. The glow of christian feeling which animated his bosom, would not allow him to be inactive. His heart was the seat of a kind and expanded charity; and hence, he took a deep and active interest in whatever affected the temporal and eternal welfare of his fellow men. While he watched with delight the movements and progress of christianity in Russia, South Africa, and Asia, he was not unmindful of home. And while he was persuaded, that the eternal interests of men had the first claim on his regards, no one could say with truth, that he was inattentive to their temporal interests. Indeed, there were few men, who with the same means did as much as our deceased friend in the cause of human benevolence. For a series of years he was in the constant practice of visiting the dwellings of humble poverty. The cause that he knew not he searched out. His charity did not consist in saying to unfortunate sufferers, "be ye warmed, and be ye filled;" but in contributing to their warmth and nourishment; and when his own resources were inadequate, he procured assistance from the opulent. In him the truth was exemplified; that "a good name is better than great riches." There are men of wealth who had such confidence in the integrity and benevolence of Mr. Ford, that they requested him, when he found objects whose situation demanded relief, to call on them. He was not unfrequently entrusted with money to distribute among the distressed poor as opportunitymight offer. As there were some who wished to avail themselves of his instruction in public, he was licensed to preach about two years ago, by the Third Baptist Church in Boston, of which he was a member. It is worthy Having enjoyed a short sleep, he remarked to his brother who watched with him; "O what infinite love and mercy the blessed God manifests to such a sinful, unworthy lump of earth as I am! He might afflict me with violent pain, but, blessed be God, he does not. If he should, O that he would keep me from a murmuring spirit." He then observed, "O what has my dear Jesus borne for my poor guilty soul! and shall I complain ? O Lord, forbid !" He then requested me to read the Hymn, Jesus, lover of my soul, But particularly the last verse, Plenteous grace in thee is found, These words he said were peculiar. ly precious to him. He continued calm and happy, and would frequently expatiate on the great love of Jesus, until within a few hours of his death; when, owing to great pain and weakness, he was unable to speak. But it was evident to those around him, that in his last moments he was in a peaceful frame of mind. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." of notice, that the last sermon which he delivered, was from Psalm 39, 4. "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. In his last sickness he was favoured with great peace and tranquillity of mind. Having served the Lord in health, he enjoyed the Lord in his sickness. His Pastor, who repeatedly visited him in his illness, never left his sick chamber without a forcible recollection of the words of the Psalmist; "Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will strengthen him on the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." When asked by his brother, if he had any desire to live, he replied, "None at all. If the Lord were to give me my choice, I would say, O Lord, my choice is thine, whether for life or death." He remarked, "I have done with this world and all its concerns. I have written on the world-Ichabod-" Where is the glory?" On being asked how he felt in relation to his wife and children, he said, "I have given them all up to God, who will do just and right by them." Ordinations, &c. Nov. 2, 1822, the Rev. Tho. Larkum, of the 2d. Hopewell Bap. Church, was solemnly set apart to the work of an evangelist, at Harburton, (N. J.) The services were introduced by brother Murphy, with reading a hymn and prayer, followed by a sermon from 2 Tim. ii. 15. Brother Kenard then engaged in prayer. Brother Boggs addressed the assembly, and proposed the usual questions. Brother Larkum gave a pleasing and interesting account of his christian experience, call to the work of the ministry, and views of gospel truth. The ordination prayer was offered by brother Bartolett, accompanied by laying on the hands of presbytery, who also presented the right hand of fellowship. Brother Kenard presented the bible, with a suitable address. Brother Griffin delivered the charge, founded on Jer. i. 17, and concluded with prayer. On the 21st. of Nov. 1822, at the Minis terial Conference of the Old Colony, held in Hanson, Mr. Clark Cornish, a member of the Baptist church in Plymouth, was, at the request of said church, ordained to the work of an evangelist. The exercises were performed in the following manner. Introductory prayer by Rev. Samuel Glover of Kingston. Sermon by Rev. Isaac Kimball of Middleborough, from Rom x. 14. "How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard; and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Ordaining prayer by Rev. John Butler, of Hanover. Charge by Rev. Stephen S. Nelson of Plymouth. Right hand of fel. lowship by Rev. Joseph Torrey of Hanson. Concluding prayer by Rev. Thomas Conant, of Marshfield. On the 26th of Nov. 1822, the Rev. William Jacobs was solemnly ordained to the gospel ministry, by fasting, prayer, and the imposition of hands, at the Baptist meeting house at Occoquan, Prince William County, (Va.) The Rev. James Reid, pastor of said church at Occoquan, preached the in troductory sermon from these words, 2 Tim. iv. 2, “Preach the word." The scene was truly solemn and impressive. by prayer. The Rev. John Ormsbee is expected to take the pastoral charge of the church. On the 24th of July, 1822, a Baptist church was formed at Woodstown, Nov. 27, 1822, the Rev. Henry Jack-ed by the Rev. Mr. Janvier, a Presby(N. J.) The services were introducson, A. M. late of Providence, (R.I) terian, in a solemn and appropriate was solemnly ordained to the pastoral prayer. A sermon was then delivercare of the Baptist church and socieed by Rev. T. Griffin, from Isa. Ixii, ty in Charlestown. The exercises on 6, 7. "Ye that make mention of the the occasion were introduced by a Lord, keep not silence, and give him prayer by the Rev. Ebenezer Nelson, no rest till he establish, and till he of Malden. Rev. G. F. Davis read select portions of scripture. make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." Prayer The Rev. H. Smalley inquired of the was then offered up by the Rev B. C. Grafton, of Cambridge. An appropripersons about to be constituted, whether they were satisfied with each othate sermon was delivered by Rev. Steers' christian character and experi plien Gano, of Providence, from John i. 6, 7. There was a man sent from church covenant; and upon receiv. ence, articles of faith, and unity in God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of them a church of Christ, and presenting satisfactory answers, pronounced the Light, that all men through him ed the right hand of fellowship. The might believe. The ordaining prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr. Sharp, charge to the infant church, describRev. Joseph Sheppard gave a solemn the charge was delivered by the Rev. ing the duties incumbent upon them, Dr. Baldwin, and the right hand of and urging them to the fulfilment. fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Wayland. In the charge, much valuable counsel was given to the candidate, in which judicious reference was made to the words of Paul, Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it " A well digested address was delivered to the church by the Rev. Bela Jacobs, of Cambridge. He affectionately brought to view those particulars in their conduct, which would have a tendency to encourage their Pastor in the discharge of his appropriate duties, and warned them of those things which would obstruct mutual edification, as well as grieve him whom they were now to respect and love as their elder. The concluding prayer was offered by the Rev. William Collier of Boston. A Baptist church was constituted in the village of Wickford, (R. I.) on the 10th of July, 1822, under the name of the First Baptist Church in Wickford. The Rev. Zalmon Tobey, of North-Providence, preached on the occasion, from Eph. iv. 15, 16. The Rev. Gershom Palmer, of Exeter, gave to the church, in the name and behalf of the council, the right hand of fellowship. Address to the newformed church by the Rev. William Northup, of North-Kingston. The Rev. Mr. Palmer closed the exercises. On the 10th of August, 1822, a church was formed at Burlington, (N. J.) denominated the Pearl. street Baptist Church of Burlington. The Rev. Joseph H. Kenard introduced the service by reading a hymn and prayer. Rev. Thomas Griffin preached from 1 Cor. i, 2, 3. Brother Kenard then requested the representative of the persons about to be formed as a church, to produce their letters of dismission for that purpose; these were read, as also their articles of faith, and church covenant, with their sigfactory. They then testified their u natures, all which were highly satis nion in faith and love, and were pronounced a church of Christ, agreeably to the gospel plan. Brother Griffin then delivered a charge, and concluded by commending them to God in prayer. The company appeared much interested, and the meeting was solemn. A neat and commodious Meetinghouse having been recently erected by a few individuals of the Baptist denomination, in the town of Abington, (Mass.) was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God on Wednesday, Oct. 30,1822. The services were com menced by the singing of an anthem. The introductory prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Torrey, of Hanson; after which, Rev. Mr. Sharp of Boston read select passages of scripture, |